We all have those sleepless nights from time to time; those night where you just lay in bed, eyes closed, getting more and more frustrated that sleep won’t come as the minutes tick slowly by. We all have them and I believe we can all agree that they suck more than the suckiest suck in all of suck-town. In an attempt to assuage your frustration with the elusive Queen Mab, I have compiled a list for you, my dears! Some will help you sleep and some will encourage productivity…but don’t worry…there’s something for everyone!
50 Things to do when Insomnia Strikes
insomnia by Jenny Teraksaki
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Write someone a letter…NOT an email but an honest to goodness stick-a-stamp-on-it letter.
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Take a nice hot bath.
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Do some alternate nostril breathing. It is wonderful at calming the central nervous system. You’ll look silly, but who’s watching you at 3 in the morning?
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Bake cupcakes…but make sure you share with me!
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Read that book that’s been languishing on your bedside table for the past 6 months.
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Watch the original Star Wars trilogy for the billionth time…or take it a step further and
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Put on your own Star Wars finger puppet show. This is a good one for chronic insomniacs. If anyone actually tries this, PLEASE post the results of your efforts. I would LOVE to see them!
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Clean your purse out…girl, you know it’s nasty in there.
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Meditate.
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Stargaze!
we were written in the stars by christina tsevis
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Learn origami and start a thousand cranes project.
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Do some yoga.
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Mani-pedi anyone? Yes please!
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Take some melatonin. (Make sure you consult with your Doc or pharmacist before taking any supplements.)
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Take a cold shower. Yes, a COLD shower. Cold showers can actually make you sleepy. Just shower then tuck yourself under the covers and let mother nature do her thing.
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Write yourself a love letter.
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Clean out your closet. Try this hanger trick…it’s a brilliant way of tracking what you wear.
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Create a vision board and help make your dreams a reality.
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Try to figure out the last episode of Rosanne…So if Becky really married David and Darlene really married Mark then which one of them dropped out of school and eloped? Becky or Darlene? This questions has plagued me for years. If you figure it out, please let me know.
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Join ancestry.com and discover your roots. I found out my husband’s family and mine have been bumping into each other (and not always in the friendliest of fasions)since the 1500’s both in Europe and here in the states. Crazy! Proof to me that it’s kismet.
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Plan your dream vacation.
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Learn about multiverse theory…there are some interesting ones out there. Bubbles? Yes, bubbles.
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Go on a midnight cheesecake run. Not into cheesecake? Then how about a scone?
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Self-publish a book of all that angst-ridden poetry you wrote in junior high and high school. It will give your kids something to laugh about when they stumble across it in 15 years.
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Sew all those missing buttons back on to your clothes. It’s not fun, but it needs to be done.
Button Jars by Sofia Katariina
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Give yourself a facial. Your skin will thank you for it.
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Watch all of Conan’s “In the year 2000” skits. Prepare to have your sides split.
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Prove there was indeed a shooter on the grassy knoll.
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Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. If you can’t remember when you last replaced them, then you are overdue.
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Dust. Possibly the most fun (if that’s what you want to call it) and most neglected of all household chores.
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Work on your Zombie Survival Kit. It’s better to have one and not need it than need it and not have it. Emergency plans save lives.
- Teach yourself a new language…or even better, make up your own!
- Go on a midnight picnic with your honey. Nothing beats champagne, cheese and chocolate…yum!
- Get in touch with your inner child by playing beauty shop. Try out a new hairstyle or experiment with your makeup.
- Give your computer a little TLC and clean up your hard drive. Organize all those videos and photos.
- And while we’re on the subject of photos: Get them printed! All those photos bring you no joy if they’re trapped in your computer. Print and enjoy them!
- Clean out your fridge. Unless you are trying to grow your own penicillin then there’s no reason for moldy food.
- And now that your fridge is clean, get inspired for your next trip to the grocery store by finding new recipes.
- Roll your change. I’m always baffled by people who pay those silly machines to do it for them. Save your money and roll those coins!
- Catch up on your blog reading. I know my google reader is overflowing with unread posts.
- Learn how to darn your socks. It’s another way to stretch your dollar.
- Here’s my husband’ suggestion: “Go to sleep.” Hilarious, isn’t he? *insert rim shot here.*
- Call your night owl friends and have an impromptu pajama dance party.
- Have a cup of chamomile tea. It promotes relaxation.
- Write a MASSIVE gratitude list, or, if you’re tired of writing try illustrating your gratitude. Feel free to share your results in the comments section. I would LOVE to see them!
- Learn the lost art of shadow puppetry.
- Read JessicaMullen.com and get inspired. She’ll rock your socks!
- Write an ode to…well…whatever strikes your fancy.
- Snuggle. Snuggle with your honey, a pet, a teddy bear, or a pillow. It’s my go to for everything…and if you aren’t going to sleep then you might as well get some snuggle time in. Feel the love, smile and enjoy.
What are your trips for drifting off to dreamland? Do you have any ideas for ways to be productive when you can’t sleep?
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
